Have you ever wanted to bake a loaf of bread that not only fills your home with the most delightful aroma but also tastes like it came straight from a rustic bakery? Well, today is your lucky day! I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Pão com Fermento ao estilo Sourdough, a delicious sourdough bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side for your quick family dinners or a delightful addition to your weeknight dinner ideas, this bread will not disappoint. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple, hands-on process that yields incredible results.
- Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or even as a base for sandwiches.
- Great for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
- It’s a fun way to spend time in the kitchen, especially if you love baking!
- Homemade sourdough is healthier and tastier than store-bought options.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Pão com Fermento ao estilo Sourdough, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500g of bread flour
- 350ml of water (room temperature)
- 100g of active sourdough starter
- 10g of salt
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this scrumptious sourdough bread:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the water and active sourdough starter until well combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Autolyse: Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This step helps to develop the gluten, making your bread chewy and delicious.
- Knead the Dough: After the autolyse, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use the stretch and fold method if you prefer.
- Bulk Fermentation: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 4-6 hours at room temperature, or until it has doubled in size. During this time, you can perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges into the center.
- Final Proof: Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket, cover it, and let it rise for another 2-3 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade sourdough with butter, jam, or as a side for your favorite creamy garlic pasta!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your sourdough turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
- Don’t rush the fermentation process; it’s key to developing flavor.
- Experiment with different flours for unique flavors and textures.
- Keep a close eye on the bread while it bakes to avoid over-browning.
How to Serve
This Pão com Fermento ao estilo Sourdough is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Slice it thick and serve with a hearty soup for a comforting meal.
- Use it as a base for sandwiches filled with your favorite ingredients.
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
- Toast slices and top with avocado for a trendy breakfast.
- Enjoy it with a spread of butter or your favorite jam for a delightful snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to enjoy this bread throughout the week, here are some storage tips:
- Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To refresh frozen bread, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your hands, I hope you feel inspired to bake your own Pão com Fermento ao estilo Sourdough. It’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your home, and trust me, your family will love it! Happy baking!
Pão com Fermento ao estilo Sourdough
Ingredients
Starter and Yeast
- 300 g fermento selvagem previamente feito
- 10 g fermento biológico fresco (or 2 tsp dry instant yeast)
- 1 tsp açúcar mascavo
- 200 mL água mineral
- 375 g farinha de trigo (divided into two parts of 187g each)
- 125 g farinha de trigo integral
- 50 g farinha de centeio (use integral)
- 2 tsp sal refinado
- 100 mL suco de maçã natural
- to taste óleo vegetal (for greasing)
- to taste farinha de trigo (for dusting)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in water, add sourdough starter, cover and rest 10-20 min until bubbly.
- Add half of the white flour, cover, and ferment 1 hour in warm place.
- Mix remaining flours and salt, add fermented mixture and apple juice. Knead, adding more flour if needed, for 15-20 min until dough is not sticky.
- Shape into baguettes, score, and let rise until 1/3 larger. Preheat oven to 250°C with water boiling in a tray below.
- Bake at 250°C for 5 min with water tray, then reduce to 200°C, remove water tray, and bake 20-30 min until crusty.
